Report - HYEL 2026 Conference in Trondheim, Norway by Mansi Singh

I had the opportunity to participate in the 10th International Conference on Hydroelasticity in Marine Technology (HYEL 2026), held from 16–18 June 2026 in Trondheim, Norway. The conference brought together researchers, engineers, and industry experts from around the world working on hydroelasticity, fluid–structure interaction, offshore renewable energy, floating structures, wave energy, marine membranes, floating wind turbines, ship hydrodynamics, and ice–water interactions. The conference venues themselves were memorable and reflected the unique character of Trondheim. The first two days were hosted at the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum, and the final day was held at NTNU’s Professor Mørch’s House. I was particularly impressed by the building’s striking architectural design, especially its elegant spiral staircase, whose sweeping geometry and openness created a visually stunning space. The contrast between the historic museum setting and the contemporary university architecture made the conference experience even more unique and memorable.

As part of the conference programme, I delivered an oral presentation entitled: “Comparative Study of Energy Dissipation under Capillary–Gravity Wave Scattering by Submerged Porous, Poroelastic, and Porous Piezoelectric Plates.”

My presentation focused on a mathematical and physical comparison of different flexible porous structures and their ability to dissipate water wave energy. The work generated interesting discussions regarding the potential use of porous and piezoelectric structures for wave-energy applications and coastal protection systems. Presenting the work to an international audience provided valuable feedback and opened possibilities for future collaborations.

The scientific programme was exceptionally diverse, featuring keynote lectures and technical sessions on hydroelasticity, aquaculture structures, floating bridges, offshore wind turbines, wave-energy systems, bio-inspired marine technologies, and ice–water interactions. These presentations provided valuable insights into current developments in marine technology and offshore engineering, particularly in flexible wave-energy converters, floating wind platforms, and advanced modelling techniques combining potential-flow theory, finite-element methods, and computational fluid dynamics. I was especially fascinated by talks on bio-inspired marine systems, where the motion and flexibility of fish were modelled through fluid–structure interaction frameworks and translated into the design of robotic fish and flexible underwater vehicles for environmental monitoring, underwater inspection, and marine exploration. As a mathematician working on fluid–structure interaction problems, it was exciting to see how fundamental theoretical models can directly contribute to innovative engineering solutions inspired by nature. Equally valuable were the opportunities for informal discussions during coffee breaks, lunches, and conference events, gaining insights into ongoing research worldwide, identifying emerging challenges in the field, and initiating discussions that may lead to future collaborations. For me as an early-career researcher, these exchanges were invaluable for expanding my scientific network and broadening my research perspective.

The conference venue itself contributed significantly to the experience. Much of the event was held at the Sverresborg Trøndelag FolkMuseum, an open-air museum that showcases Norwegian cultural heritage. During a guided tour, we visited the remarkable Haltdalen Stave Church, dating from the 1170s and considered one of the oldest surviving stave churches in the world. We also learned about the history of King Sverre’s Castle, whose ruins overlook Trondheim and played an important role in medieval Norwegian history. These visits provided a fascinating perspective on Norway’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Outside the conference programme, Trondheim offered many memorable experiences. Walking through the city, I was particularly impressed by the historic wooden buildings built on stilts located in the Brygge district along the flanks of the Nidelva River, which are among Trondheim’s most iconic landmarks. Another highlight was visiting the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, one of Scandinavia’s most important medieval cathedrals. The combination of historic architecture, scenic waterways, and surrounding natural landscapes made Trondheim a truly unique destination.

A particularly memorable experience was witnessing Norway’s long summer daylight. Even late at night, the sky never became completely dark. As someone who had often heard during childhood that “the sun never sets” in the far north during summer, it was fascinating to experience this phenomenon firsthand. The extended daylight created a unique atmosphere and allowed us to enjoy the city well into the evening. Nature was another striking aspect of the visit. During our stay, it was common to encounter wildlife such as deers, rabbits, and sheeps in areas close to roads and residential neighbourhoods. This close coexistence of urban life and nature left a lasting impression and highlighted Norway’s strong connection with its natural environment.

Overall, participation in HYEL 2026 was an extremely rewarding scientific and cultural experience. The conference allowed me to present my research to an international audience, gain exposure to cutting-edge developments in hydroelasticity and marine technology, establish new professional connections, and explore the rich history and natural beauty of Norway. The knowledge gained and collaborations initiated during this visit will undoubtedly contribute to my future research activities within the framework of the TRR and beyond.